Smith & Head Push Australia to Brink of Ashes Glory In a commanding display of batting prowess, Steve Smith and Travis Head have put Australia on the cusp of regaining the Ashes urn with a crushing performance on day three of the fifth and final Test at the Oval in London. Smith's unbeaten century and Head's majestic 163 powered Australia to a daunting first-innings total of 475, leaving England with a mammoth task to avoid a series defeat. The day began with the visitors resuming on 295-3, and Smith and Head wasted little time asserting their dominance over the English bowlers. Smith, the former Australia captain who has been the scourge of England throughout this series, showcased his impeccable technique and unwavering concentration to reach his 29th Test century. Meanwhile, the in-form Head continued his rich vein of form, building on his impressive performances earlier in the series to notch up his fourth century of the tour. The duo's 251-run partnership for the fourth wicket effectively extinguished any hopes England harbored of making a comeback in the match. "It was a magnificent display of batting from Smith and Head," said former England captain Nasser Hussain. "They just took the game away from England piece by piece, and you have to doff your cap to the sheer quality and resilience they showed." The England bowlers toiled away without much success, with James Anderson and Stuart Broad, the seasoned pace duo, unable to make the breakthroughs that their team so desperately needed. Spinner Jack Leach was the pick of the home side's attack, but even he was unable to contain the Australian batsmen's onslaught. This latest display of dominance from Smith and Head is a testament to the depth and versatility of the Australian batting lineup. Smith's hunger for runs seems insatiable, and his ability to grind out tough, match-defining innings has been a hallmark of his career. Head, on the other hand, has emerged as a dynamic and attacking force, providing the perfect complement to Smith's more measured approach. The duo's heroics have put Australia in an almost unassailable position in the match, and with two days remaining, the visitors will be eyeing a victory that would secure the Ashes urn and cap off a successful tour. For England, the task of avoiding a series defeat has become increasingly daunting, and they will need to produce a remarkable turnaround if they are to salvage any pride from the final Test. The fifth Ashes Test has been a microcosm of the entire series, with Australia's superior batting depth and bowling resilience proving to be the decisive factors. Smith and Head's masterclass on day three has only served to underline the gulf in class between the two teams, and the home side will need to dig deep to avoid a humiliating defeat. As the Ashes series reaches its climax, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain firmly on Smith and Head, whose remarkable performances have put Australia on the brink of regaining the coveted urn. The final two days of the Test will be a true test of England's character and resilience, as they attempt to stave off an Ashes defeat on home soil.